Market Watch
January 5, 2012 - Second-Best Year on Record for Sales
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 4,718 transactions through the Toronto MLS® system in December 2011. The December result capped off the second-best year on record under the current Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) boundaries. Total sales for 2011 amounted to 89,347 - up four per cent in comparison to 2010.
"Low borrowing costs kept Buyers confident in their ability to comfortably cover their mortgage payments along with other major housing costs," said TREB President Richard Silver. "If Buyers had not been constrained by a shortage of listings over the past 12 months, we would have been flirting with a new sales record in the Greater Toronto Area," added Silver.
The average selling price in December was $451,436 - up four per cent compared to December 2010. For all of 2011, the average selling price was $465,412, an increase of eight per cent in comparison to the average of $431,276 in 2010.
"Months of inventory remained below the pre-recession norm in 2011. Very tight market conditions meant substantial competition between Buyers and strong upward pressure on selling prices," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.
"TREB's baseline forecast for 2012 is for an average price of $485,000, representing a more moderate four per cent annual rate of price growth. This baseline view is subject to a heightening degree of risk given the uncertain global economic outlook," continued Mercer.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch.
December 6, 2011 (Toronto) - Healthy Fall Market Continues in November
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,092 residential transactions through the Toronto MLS® system in November - up 11 per cent in comparison to November 2010. At the same time, the number of new listings was up by 14 per cent in comparison to last year.
"We have seen strong annual sales growth through the 2011 fall market. The increase in transactions has been broad-based, with strong growth across low-rise and high rise home types throughout the Greater Toronto Area," said Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) President Richard Silver. "The market has also become better supplied, with annual new listings growth outstripping that of sales. As this trend continues into 2012, we will see more balanced market conditions."
The average price for November transactions was $480,421, representing an increase of almost 10 per cent in comparison to $437,494 in November 2010.
"Despite strong price growth this year, the housing market remains affordable in the GTA," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "The correct method of assessing affordability is to consider the share of the average household's income that is dedicated to mortgage principal and interest, property taxes and utilities. Currently, this share remains in line with generally accepted lending guidelines. Given this positive affordability picture, average price growth is forecast to continue in 2012, albeit at a more moderate pace."
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch.
November 3, 2011 (Toronto) - Pace of Homes Sales Remains Brisk in October
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,642 home sales through the Toronto MLS® in October 2011. This represented an increase of 17.5 per cent compared to the 6,504 transactions reported in October 2010.
Monthly sales data follow a recurring seasonal trend that should be removed before comparing monthly results within the same year. After adjusting for seasonality, the annualized rate of sales for October was 97,100, which was above the average of 90,700 for the first three quarters of 2011.
"The pace of October resale home transactions remained brisk in the GTA. This bodes well for a strong finish in 2011," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. "Home buyers who found it difficult to make a deal in the spring and summer due to a shortage of listings have benefited from increased supply in the fall."
The average selling price through the Toronto MLS® in October was $478,137 - up eight per cent compared to October 2010.
"Sellers' market conditions remain in place in many parts of the GTA. The result has been above-average annual rates of price growth for most home types," said Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "Thanks to low interest rates, strong price growth has not substantially changed the positive affordability picture in the City of Toronto and surrounding regions."
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch.
October 5, 2011 (Toronto) - September Rounds Out a Strong Third Quarter
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,658 transactions through the Toronto MLS® system in September - a 25 per cent increase over September 2010. Sales during the first three quarters of 2011 amounted to 70,588, representing a 2.6 per cent increase compared to the first nine months of 2010.
"We have experienced strong growth in sales so far this year, with a much more active summer compared to 2010. However, while sales have been strong, we have continued to experience a shortage of listings, resulting in more competition between home buyers," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. "Over the past few months, the listing situation has started to improve, so we expect home buyers will have more homes to choose from in the months ahead."
With annual growth in sales (+25 per cent) outstripping annual growth in new listings (+15 percent) in September, market conditions became tighter and the average selling price continued to grow by close to 10 per cent on a year-over-year basis.
"Strong price growth through the first nine months of the year was mitigated to a great degree by low interest rates and rising incomes," said the Toronto Real Estate Board's Senior Manager of Market Analysis Jason Mercer. "As buyers continue to take advantage of the affordable home ownership options in the GTA, we remain on pace for the second best year for sales under the current TREB market area."
In September, the average price was $465,369, from the $425,757 recorded during September of 2010.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch
September 7, 2011 (Toronto) - Strong August Home Sales in the GTA
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,542 sales through the TorontoMLS® system in August - a 24 per cent increase over 6,083 sales in August 2010. New listings, at 12,509 were up by 20 per cent compared to August 2010. Market conditions remained tight as sales growth outstripped growth in new listings.
"Home sales in the GTA have stood up well despite a less certain economic outlook," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. "Home sales will be bolstered by low mortgage rates moving forward. The Bank of Canada is expected to be on the sidelines until the second half of 2012 or even into 2013. However, home ownership affordability in the City of Toronto could be further improved with the removal of the City's land transfer tax. This tax currently represents a substantial upfront cost for home buyers."
With market conditions remaining tight in the GTA, the average selling price continued to grow strongly in August, up by more than 10 per cent year-over-year to $451,663.
"We remain on pace for the second best year on record for sales. Approximately 90,000 transactions are expected by the end of December," said TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis Jason Mercer. "Major home ownership costs, including the average monthly mortgage payment, remain affordable despite the strong price growth experienced so far this year."
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch.
August 4, 2011 (Toronto) - July Sales and Average Price Up Compared to 2010
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,922 transactions through the Toronto MLS® system in July 2011, representing a 23 per cent increase over July 2010. Total sales through the first seven months of this year amounted to 55,863 - down by 1.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2010. After adjusting for seasonal fluctuations, the July figure continued to point to an annual sales result close to 90,000 - in line with results from the previous six months.
"Strong home sales continued in July, with a substantial rebound over last summer's slow-down brought about by higher mortgage rates, new lending guidelines and misconceptions about the HST. The greatest rebound was seen in the condominium apartment segment in the City of Toronto," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. "If the current pace of sales holds up, we could see the second best year on record under the current TREB market area."
The average selling price in July was $459,122 - up by almost ten per cent compared to the July 2010 average of $418,675.
"Tight market conditions have boosted the annual rate of price growth this year. However, the listing situation is starting to improve. A better supplied market later this year and into 2012 would lead to a more sustainable rate of price growth," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch.
July 6, 2011 (Toronto) - Toronto MLS� Sales and Average Price Up in June
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 10,230 home sales through the Toronto MLS® system in June 2011 - up 21 per cent compared to June 2010. This number represented the third best June result on record behind 2007 and 2009. The number of transactions during the first six months of 2011 amounted to 48,189 - down by 4.5 per cent compared to the first half of 2010.
"The strong June result capped off an interesting first half of 2011," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. "The pace of sales was a bit sluggish at the beginning of the year, but rebounded in May and June. Because of the positive affordability picture, home buyers remained confident in their ability to purchase and pay for a home over the long term."
The average price for June transactions was $476,371 - a 9.5 per cent increase over June 2010. Through the first six months of the year, the average selling price was $467,169 - almost an eight per cent increase compared to the same period in 2010.
"While sales have been strong, we would be on track for a record number of transactions in 2011 if not for the decline in listings so far this year," said Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "Tight supply meant more competition between home buyers and an accelerating annual rate of price growth in the second quarter."
"Home owners will likely react to the stronger price growth by listing their homes in greater numbers. A better supplied market would result in more moderate price increases," continued Mercer.
In June, the median price was $405,000, from the $367,750 recorded during June of 2010.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch.
June 3, 2011 (Toronto) - Sales and Price Increase in May
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 10,046 sales in May 2011 - up six per cent compared to May 2010. This result was the second best on record for May under the current Toronto Real Estate Board service area. The number of new listings in May, at 16,076, was down 15 per cent compared to last year.
"Positive economic news and low borrowing costs led to strong sales through the first five months of the year, including the increase in May," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Bill Johnston. "At the same time, the market has become much tighter compared to last year, due to a substantial dip in new listings."
Homes were on the market for an average of 23 days and sold for an average price of $485,520 - up nine per cent compared to $446,593 in May 2010. The strongest rate of price growth was experienced for single detached homes sold in the City of Toronto.
"We have seen clear-cut sellers' market conditions emerge over the past two to three months," explained Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "The robust price appreciation that we have seen will hopefully prompt more households to list, resulting in a more balanced market later this year," continued Mercer.
In May, the median price was $400,000, from the $376,750 recorded during May of 2010.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch.
May 4, 2011 - (Toronto) - Tight Market Results in Strong Price Growth in April
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 9,041 existing home sales through the Toronto MLS® system in April 2011. This result was down 17 per cent compared to April 2010 when sales spiked to a new record of 10,898. While off last year's record result, April 2011 sales were in line with the average April sales level reported over the previous five years.
"Existing home sales have been strong from a historic perspective through the first four months of 2011. Expect the pace of sales to remain robust through the spring, as the economy expands and home buyers continue to benefit from affordable home ownership opportunities," said Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) President Bill Johnston.
Market conditions tightened markedly over the last year. April 2011 sales accounted for 62 per cent of new listings during the month - up substantially from 53 per cent in April 2010. Tighter conditions resulted in the average April selling price growing by nine per cent annually to $477,407.
"The number of listings has been below expectations so far this year. Increased competition between home buyers has led to an accelerating annual rate of price growth," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "The strong price growth experienced in April should result in more listings and more balanced market conditions."
In April, the median price was $402,000, from the $373,000 recorded during April of 2010.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch.
April 18, 2011 (Toronto) - Greater Toronto REALTORS® Release Mid-Month Resale Housing Figures
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 4,444 sales during the first two weeks of April 2011 - a three per cent decrease compared to the first two weeks of April 2010. The number of new listings was down by 21 per cent compared to the same period last year.
"Sales activity was quite strong during the first two weeks of April. If this level of activity is sustained for the remainder of the month, we could see April transactions close to last year's record result. Positive economic news has kept households confident in their ability to purchase and pay for a home over the long term," said TREB President Bill Johnston.
The average selling price for firm deals reported through the first two weeks of April was $483,165, representing a 12 per cent increase over the average price of $430,271 reported during the same period last year.
"The number of homes listed for sale so far in 2011 has been below expectations. Market conditions have tightened, resulting in increased competition between home buyers and accelerating rates of average price growth," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.
"The strong rate of price growth reflects reported for the first two weeks of April should entice more households to list their homes for sale. This would result in more balanced market conditions and more moderate rates of price growth.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch.
April 5, 2011 (Toronto) - Second Best March on Record
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 9,262 transactions through the Toronto MLS® system in March 2011, representing the second best March result on record. The number of transactions was 11 per cent lower than the record result reported in March 2010.
"The strong home sales reported in March and throughout the first quarter of 2011 have been based on a solid affordability picture and improving economic conditions in the GTA and country-wide," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Bill Johnston.
The average selling price for March 2011 was up five per cent year-over-year to $456,147.
The strongest average annual price growth was reported for condominium apartments and semi-detached houses, at approximately seven per cent for both home types.
"Market conditions were tighter in March compared to last year. With more competition between buyers, we have seen a strong but sustainable rate of price growth," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.
In March, the median price was $385,000 from the $370,000 recorded during March of 2010.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch.
March 16, 2011 (Toronto) - GTA REALTORS� Report Monthly Resale Housing Market Figures
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 4,138 sales during the first two weeks of March 2011 - a five per cent decrease compared to the first two weeks of March 2010. The number of new listings also dipped - down by 15 per cent compared to the same period last year.
"A positive economic outlook for the Greater Toronto Area, including steady growth in jobs and incomes, has kept households confident in their ability to purchase and pay for a home over the long term," said Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) President Bill Johnston.
The average price for transactions during the first 14 days of March was $460,196, representing a 4.6 per cent increase compared to the first two weeks of March 2010.
"Market conditions are tighter compared to this time last year, resulting in more competition between buyers and sustained upward pressure on the average selling price. The annual rate of price growth is expected to range between three and five per cent in 2011," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch.
March 3, 2011 (Toronto) - Average Selling Price Up in February
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 6,266 transactions through the Toronto MLS® system in February 2011. This result was 14% lower than the record sales reported in February 2010.
While not representing a record, February 2011 sales were 50% higher than the number reported in February 2009 during the recession and slightly higher than the average February sales over the previous ten years.
"Continued improvement in the GTA economy, including growth in jobs and incomes and a declining unemployment rate, has kept the demand for ownership housing strong," said Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) President Bill Johnston.
The average selling price for February 2011 transactions was $454,423, which was more than 5% higher than the average selling price reported in February 2010.
"Market conditions remain quite tight in the GTA. There is enough competition between home buyers to promote continued price growth," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.
Median Price
In February, the median price was $379,000, from the $366,300 recorded during February of 2010.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch.
February 17, 2011 (Toronto) GTA REALTORS® Report Mid-Month Resale Housing Market Figures
GTA REALTORS® reported 3,084 sales during the first two weeks of February 2011 - a 13 per cent decrease compared to the first two weeks of February 2010.
"We are on pace for a strong sales result in February, but transactions will come in lower than the record result reported last February. Sales remain strong because the GTA resale market contains a diversity of housing types catering to a wide array of home ownership needs," said Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB President Bill Johnston.
The average price for transactions during the first 14 days of February was $451,257, representing a 5 per cent increase compared to the first two weeks of February 2010.
"Average selling price growth for existing homes is expected to range between three and five per cent this year. Tighter market conditions over the last four months have pushed price growth to the top end of this range," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.
November 3, 2010 (Toronto) - October Price Growth Reflects Healthy Housing Market ConditionsGreater Toronto REALTORS® reported 6,681 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in October 2010. This represented a 21 per cent decrease compared to the 8,476 sales recorded in October 2009. Through the first ten months of the year, sales amounted to 75,582 - up one per cent compared to the January through October period in 2009.
"The annual change in sales and average selling prices has been quite uniform across the GTA and by property type as the market has balanced out from record levels of sales in the second half of 2009 and first few months of 2010," said Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) President Bill Johnston.
"The composition of GTA home sales does differ depending on location. Condominium apartments accounted for 42 per cent of total sales in the City of Toronto and almost 60 per cent of sales in TREB's central districts," Johnston continued. "In regions surrounding the City of Toronto, in contrast, low rise home types accounted for almost 90 per cent of transactions."
The average price for October transactions was $443,729 - up five per cent compared to the average of $423, 559 reported in October 2009. The average selling price through the first nine months of the year was $430,802.
"The average selling price in the GTA has continued to grow relative to 2009 because home ownership has remained affordable," said Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "A household earning the average income in the GTA can comfortably afford the mortgage payments associated with the purchase of an average priced home."
"The outlook for mortgage rates and income growth over the next year is favourable. The average home selling price could increase moderately next year and remain affordable for the average GTA household," continued Mercer.
Median PriceIn October, the median price was $366,000, from the $357,000 recorded during October of 2009.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch.
October 5, 2010 - GTA Housing Market Conditions Remain Healthy in September
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 6,310 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in September 2010. This represented a 23 per cent decrease compared to the 8,196 sales recorded during the same period in 2009. Through the first nine months of the year, sales amounted to 69,069 - up 4 per cent compared to the first three quarters of 2009.
"The level of sales in the second half of 2010 has been lower, representing a balancing out period following record levels of sales in the latter half of 2009 and first few months of 2010. We remain on track for one of the best years in history for existing home transactions in the GTA," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Bill Johnston.
The average price for September transactions was $427,329 - up five per cent compared to the average of $406,877 reported in September 2009. The average selling price through the first nine months of the year was $429,657.
"Resale homes in the GTA remain affordable," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.
"It is important to consider the positive impact of declining mortgage rates over the past two decades. Simply considering home prices relative to incomes does not allow for an accurate analysis of affordability," continued Mercer. "The share of average household income going toward a mortgage payment on the average priced home in the GTA remains within accepted lending guidelines. This is why the average home selling price has continued to grow.
Median Price
In September, the median price was $360,325, from the $347,000 recorded during September of 2009.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch.
September 16, 2010 - GTA REALTORS® Report Mid-Month Resale Housing Figures
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 2,623 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) during the first two weeks of September 2010. This represented a 22 per cent decrease compared to the 3,361 sales recorded during the same period in 2009. Year-to-date sales amounted to 65,455, representing a six per cent increase compared to 2009.
"Sales remain below the record pace we experienced in the second half of 2009. The prospect of higher interest rates and new mortgage lending guidelines resulted in higher than normal sales in the first few months of the year. To balance this out, the pace of sales has slowed in the second half," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Bill Johnston.
"It is important to note that year-to-date sales remain above the number reported through the same period last year," added Johnston.
The average price for September mid-month transactions was $412,367 - up five per cent compared to the average of $393,818 recorded during the first 14 days of September 2009.
"Under current lending standards, the average selling price is affordable for a household earning the average income in the GTA. The annual price growth we have been experiencing has been justified by this positive affordability picture," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch.
July 6, 2010 - Market More Balanced in June
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 8,442 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in June. This represented a 23 per cent decrease compared to the record 10,955 sales reported in June 2009. Sales for the second quarter of 2010 amounted to 28,810 - up one per cent annually. Year-to-date sales through June were up 23 per cent to 50,455 compared to the first six months of 2009.
"We experienced a record number of existing home sales during the first half of 2010, but these sales were weighted more towards the beginning of the year," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Bill Johnston. "The pace of home sales has moderated from record levels over the past two months with the prospect of higher mortgage rates."
The average price for June transactions was $435,034 - up eight per cent compared to the average of $403,972 recorded for June 2009.
"With more homes to choose from in the second quarter, many home buyers have been making less-aggressive offers. This has resulted in less upward pressure on the average selling price," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "The annual rate of average price growth in the second half of 2010 will be in the single digits."
Median Price
In June, the median price was $367,750, from the 345,000 recorded during June of 2009.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch.
June 16, 2010 - Mid-Month Resale Housing Figures
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 4,139 sales through the Multiple Listing Service®
(MLS®) during the first two weeks of June.
This represented a 20 per cent decrease compared to the 5,185 sales recorded during the same period in 2009. New listings increased by 21 per cent annually to 7,985.
"The pace of existing home sales in the GTA has slowed to more normal levels following a record-setting start to 2010," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Tom Lebour.
"Due to higher mortgage carrying costs, sales in the second half of 2010 will not be as high as what was experienced during the last six months of 2009."
The average price for June mid-month transactions was $437,039 - up seven per cent compared to the average of $407,716 recorded during the first 14 days of June 2009.
"The sellers' market conditions experienced during the first few months of the year have given way to more balanced conditions. Home buyers are experiencing more choice," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. 'With more choice in the market place, price growth is starting to slow."
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch
June 3, 2010 - May Sales Remain High
Greater Toronto REALTORS
® reported 9,470 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in May, representing a one per cent dip from May 2009. In comparison to previous years, this was the third highest May sales result on record.
"The pace of transactions slowed in May following record-setting sales in February, March and April," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Tom Lebour. "Buyers who otherwise would have been purchasing a home in May moved more quickly this year, likely to get ahead of mortgage rate hikes."
New listings were up 38 per cent annually to 18,940. The average price for May transactions was $446,593 - up 13 per cent compared to the average of $395,609 recorded in May 2009.
"The gap between listings and sales has widened, which means there is more choice for buyers," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "The annual rate of price growth will slow in the second half of 2010, from the current double digit pace into the single digits."
Median PriceIn May, the median price was $376,750 from the $337,000 recorded during May of 2009.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch
May 5, 2010 - April Experiences Record Number of Buyers and Sellers
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 10, 898 sales through the Multiple Listing Service
® (MLS®) in April, representing a 34 per cent increase compared to April 2009. There were also 20,683 new listings in April - a 59 per cent annual increase. Both the sales and new listings results amounted to new records for the month of April under the current Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) boundaries.
"The GTA resale market is funtioning properly. Sales were high as buyers continued to take advantage of affordable home ownership opportunities. Listings grew as home owners reacted to strong sales and price growth," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Tom Lebour. "More balanced market conditions will result in sustainable rates of annual price growth in the second half of 2010."
The average price for April transactions was $437,600 - up 13 per cent compared to the average of $385,641 recorded in April 2009.
"Home sales continue to be driven by many different segments of the market, with sales growth for all major home types in both the City of Toronto and surrounding 905 regions," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "Home sales will remain strong in the second half of 2010, but will slip from the current record pace as borrowing costs rise."
Median Price In April, the median price was $373,000, from the $330,000 recorded during April of 2009.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch
April 6, 2010 - Record First Quarter SalesGreater Toronto REALTORS® reported 10,430 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in March, pushing total first quarter 2010 sales to 22,418 - the best result on record under the current Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) boundaries. The average price for March transactions was $434,696. The average price for the first quarter was $427,948.
"The strong rebound in the existing home market was one of the initial drivers of economic recovery," said TREB President Tom Lebour. "While we don't expect to see the same rates of growth moving forward, GTA households will remain confident in ownership housing as a quality long-term investment, especially as economic recovery expands across all industries."
The annual rate of growth for new listings continued to accelerate in March. The number of new listings grew by 42 per cent compared to March of 2009.
"The average home price in the GTA will continue to grow this year, but the pace will slow as we move through spring," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "As growth in new listings starts to outstrip growth in sales, buyers will experience more choice, resulting in more sustainable single digit rates of average price growth."
Median PriceIn March, the median price was $370,000, from the $317,500 recorded during March 2009.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch
March 3, 2010 - February Sales and Average Price Increase AnnuallyGreater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,291 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February, representing a 77 per cent increase over February 2009. The average price for these transactions was up 19 per cent year-over-year to $431,509. Sales and average price increases represent both increased demand for ownership housing and the base year effect, which involves a comparison of economic recovery this year to a period of economic decline last year.
"Increase in existing home sales and average price were noted across the GTA in low-rise and high-rise home types. Similar rates of growth were experienced in the City of Toronto and surrounding 905 regions," said TREB President Tom Lebour. "This suggests that first time, move-up and down sizing buyers are all active in the existing home marketplace."
New listings also increased in February, climbing 24 per cent compared to the same month last year.
"Annual growth in new listings is expected to continue. New listings growth will start to outstrip sales growth as we move through 2010," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "As the market becomes better supplied, we will see more sustainable single-digit rates of price growth."
Median PriceIn February, the median price was $366,300, from the $312,900 recorded during February of 2009.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch.
February 3, 2010 - Sales Start Off Strong in 2010Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 4,986 transactions through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January 2010. This result represented a large increase over the 2,670 sales in January 2009 when the home sales were in a recessionary trough. Last month's sales were slightly higher than the January average in the five years preceding 2009.
"The GTA housing market has rebounded well from the lows in sales experienced at the beginning of 2009. Sales climbed back to healthy levels across the GTA because the cost of home ownership remained affordable in the Toronto area," said TREB President Tom Lebour. "Increasingly confident consumers moved to take advantage of affordable home ownership."
The average home selling price in January 2010 climbed 19 per cent to $409,058, compared to 343,632 in the same month last year.
"Expect strong annual growth rates for existing home sales and average price through the first quarter as we continue to make comparisons to the weak market conditions at the beginning of 2009," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "The rate of sales and price growth will be lower in the second half of 2010."
Median PriceIn January, the median price was $350,000, from the $303,000 recorded during Janaury of 2009.
Reprinted from the Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch.
